ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the mechanics and thermal design procedure and calculations (based on both analytical means and finite element methods) of an airborne cabin telecommunications unit (CTU) are discussed along with the relevant Federal Airworthiness Regulation (FAR) (2008), as well as Aeronautical Radio, Inc. (ARINC) standards (1991). Reliability and failure rates of components and their effects on the performance of the system are also studied. In designing avionics electronics packages, four areas of engineering need to come together and work concurrently as a team. These are electronic, electro-mechanical packaging, thermal, and vibration. Oftentimes, thermal and vibration analyses are done only as an afterthought through experimental means to ensure Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), FAR, and/or ARINC standards are met.
